The poet and mother of Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad, Vivian Ayers Allen, has died.

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The matriarch’s passing was announced in a post on Instagram by Allen. It comes just one month after celebrating her 102nd birthday.

She wrote:

Mommie, you have transformed into that cosmic bird Hawk that lives and breathes Freedom. We will follow your trail of golden dust and continue to climb higher. We promise “to be true, be beautiful, be Free” Love Love Love Love Love.” 

 

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A post shared by Debbie Allen (@therealdebbieallen)

Ayers Allen was a successful poet and playwright. She started her literary career in Houston with a publication of ‘Spice Of Dawns’ in 1952. It went on to be nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. She followed it up with ‘Hawk’ in 1957 to wide acclaim.

Our thoughts and prayers to Debbie, Phylicia, and their family.

 

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A post shared by Debbie Allen (@therealdebbieallen)

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[Photo Credit: Getty]